Sometimes in our toughest times, we are given a miracle of hope

They can be unexpected but needed

In those times, we should never give up, and believe

We will be given what we need when we most need it

We are here for a purpose with our own destiny

It’s a time of sparkle
Glitter, silver and gold
Rubies, diamonds and emeralds
Beautifully wrapped gifts
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
It’s a magical time
Where wishes are granted
If we just believe and hope
It’s a special time
It only comes once a year
But when it does
It lights up the world
For just a moment
Bringing silence and peace
Silver gold and glitter

Music and memories go together
Like salt and pepper
One complements the other
One triggers the other
Listening to a song can easily transport one back to a memory or time
A certain memory can bring back a certain feeling
It’s as if one stepped into a time machine to relive that moment
Music can also inspire, ignite and calm the soul
It can heal ones wounds and evoke strong feelings
Music can take me back to a sweet memory of my father shoveling the snow outside during a winter storm
Or my father taking my hand as a small girl to enter a Brazilian ceremony many decades ago
Or to remember a colleague playing a song by the Temptations in the office one Friday morning to help start the day
Music and memories inspire our lives to be so much more like an artists’ painting

The Season is Coming
Can’t you feel it?
The change?
The light is different?
Less intense
The air is getting cooler
Calming breezes
Crisp nights
Colors coming
Reds, yellows, oranges and golds
Trees showing their best
Apples abound
Smells of cider and cinnamon
Sweaters in stores
Fall coats
Warm socks
Blankets
Hot chocolate
Soups
Apple pie
Bright colors
Hypnotic scents
The season is upon us
It’s coming

Darkness outside with a small hint of light coming into the sky
Traffic moving towards their destinations ever so slowly
The morning has begun
Empty roads in some places as the full morning rush has not yet started
As 7am approaches, a golden ball can be seen in the sky as the sun starts to rise
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived as the city starts to wake up once again

A summer wind whips through the air and the trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush
It’s stunning
Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them
Like a dance
The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through
The air fills with the sound of thunder
It’s pounding a rhythm
A summer storm is fast approaching
Playing the wind chimes outside like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind
Hold on
It’s coming

When I speak I feel misunderstood
My words seem twisted
The meaning is changed
I feel lost and alone
I don't know what to do
Schisms are created making relating difficult
The air gets heavy
I become afraid to speak
I tremble and grow quiet

When I speak I feel misunderstood
People don't hear what I mean
The intention is mired down in muck
I feel lost and alone
I can't find my way

Sometimes we need quiet
A time to be still
To stop the chaos
To listen to the nothing
It calms the mind and spirit
Allows us to refocus later

The world is so busy
Fast moving
Never stopping
Noisy
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up
Stillness can reset us to a better place
It can enhance creativity
Allow the mind to wander
Aimlessly
Slow down the body
Lift up the mood
Sharpen the mind
Go to a higher place

Cooler breezes tempt me
Bring a smile to my face
The summer brightness
Of the sun is almost gone
Darker mornings greet me
There is a crispness in the air
It’s refreshing
The seasons are changing
Ever so slowly
From summer to fall
Time to change the wardrobe
Time for tea and hot chocolate
Time to get ready
Time to think about soups
Time to think about stews
Cooler breezes tempt me
Fall is coming
My season

Lately, tears come too easily.
My throat chokes up too quickly
Sadness is all around
Sadness is permeating my soul
I wish someday soon I could feel whole again
Someday the tears will stop
The pain will end
The calm will begin

Past

Today I went back into my past
When I was a child
Sometimes I wish it could last
The sights were familiar
The feelings bittersweet

Past

Funny, I don’t belong there anymore
I wish I did
I wish I could go back

Past

But, I must go forward
And leave the past to the past

When I look at you I see the impossible
I see a miracle
I see infinity
When I look at you I see the incredulousness of it
How rare
How unusual
How courageous

When I look at you
I see hope
I see joy
I see the impossible become possible
When I look at you
I see the incredulousness of it

I touch the universe
I touch infinity
I feel the sun on my face
I see the moon and the stars

I see my present and future

Morning chimes outside my window
Teasing me with their tune
Tempting me
Enticing me
Gently playing music
Lifting up my spirits

Morning chimes outside my window
Gently waking me up
Offering a pleasant sound to start the day

Morning chimes

The waves are moving back and forth
Pulsing like a rhythm
The sound calms
The sky is a bright blue
The air is warm but not too hot
There is a slight breeze in the air
There is a hint of salt in the air
Like a sweet perfume
But the smell is not overwhelming
Nature’s magic
The water is a deep blue
With hints of white as the waves roll in and out
As the sun hits the water
Diamonds appear on the surface
Glistening against the light and the water
It looks surreal
It’s a perfect beach day

Man of wonder, man of light

Where did you come from? The stars or the clouds?
The heavens?
How long have you been here? Forever?
How did you find me after all this time?
Have you always been there, waiting?
You are truly a man of wonder and a man of light

Where does your kindness come from?
Your heart, your spirit?
Is it from the heavens above?
Were you constructed just for me?
Sometimes it seems as such
Man of wonder, man of light
I am in awe of you

Every time you smile, it is as if the sun has come into the world
Everything glitters
Your smile brightens not only those who stand before you
but the world with all the darkness before it and beyond

Your heart helps to lighten, heal and soothe
Your voice reaches into ones heart and leaves a gift of love
Each time you speak and listener melts just a little bit
You speak truth and kindness

Man of wonder, man of light

Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes gently blow by
Leaves beginning to bud for the season
Brown being replaced by green
Flowering trees and bushes starting to bloom
Lush grassy lawns coming back
Flowers decorating the streets with their varied colors
Bright, hypnotic blue skies dotted with clouds
Nature's perfume fills the air
All signs that Spring has arrived

It’s is an early fall day
The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
There are a few clouds scattered across the sky
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold — just right
The trees are dressed with their fall colors
You are sitting in a field of tall grasses
The grass is a light beige color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound as it moves
As you sit down in the field
A cloud of butterflies surround you
They are all colors -- purple, blue, yellow, red, gold and green
As you put out your hands, several light onto your hand before flying away

You close your eyes and take in the moment
You are at peace

It can be overwhelming
Crushing
When we lose a loved one
Someone important to us
The pain is searing
Going to the depths
Of our being
It burns
Our hearts break
We hope the news
Is not true
It’s hard to accept
Surreal

It’s an impossible time
Almost paralyzing
Each day hurts
Sickening
The only remedy
Is time
As it slowly passes

Even though you are tired climb
to the top of the mountain
Even though you are worn down --
keep going
Even though you hurt keep living
Climb to the top
See the world
See everything
Climb walk run
Never stop
Even though you are tired
Live
Breathe
See
Feel
Even though you are tired
Take just one more step

Your destiny awaits

I am a person
I am alive
I have feelings
I have needs and desires
I am no different than another
I can be hurt
I can cry
I can mourn
I can and need love
I need care, a home, sustenance
I need to belong
I want to walk free
To live my life without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
At other times, not
I am no different
For I am human

Every day we offer slices
of ourselves to the world
Some are quiet and subdued
Some are sweet
Some are loud and boisterous
Some are fun
Some are ****, almost sour
Some are thoughtful and serious

Some are filled with darkness
and heaviness
Others are bursting with
bright light and hope
Some are kind and loving
and others are not
Some are lonely
Others are filled with a
celebration of life

But every slice is a part of us
And together they help
to make up what is us

Slices

Dark nights
Cool temperatures
A spooky feeling
At the end of the month
A time for trick or treat
Brightly lit pumpkins
With carved faces
Horror movies
Costumes galore
Fill the streets
Children excited
For the night
Their night in a way
Anticipating their hauls
Of goodies
Who will have more?
What will the costumes be?
A time of fun and togetherness
Halloween memories

The horse is out of the gate running free in the field towards the mountains under a bright blue sky

It is free enjoying the run under the sun galloping as fast as it can towards its next destination

Destiny awaits

Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Soft yellow light shining down on me
Lights of the city dimmed by its beauty
Sounds of the city in the background
Turquoise lights shine on a building close by
They are hypnotic
Creating an artful look to the coming night
Mother Nature at her best
Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Another day passes as a new one begins

When you just can’t do it anymore
Close your eyes
Become still and quiet
Let the stillness comfort you
Let it calm you
Relax your body
Let the universe pick you up
Allow it take you to the stars and keep you safe

I can stand in darkness
I can be consumed by the sheer heaviness of it
How it over powers and takes over

Or I can walk towards and stand in the light
Letting its brilliance soothe and heal me
Letting the warmth massage my soul and body
Giving me much needed relief

I can stand in the darkness and be alone
No one around only silence
Where heavy clouds abound

Or I can stand in the light and be surrounded by love
Bathed in its beauty

Letting the light open and fill my heart and all corners of my life

Oh how I miss the fall
The crimson time
I miss everything about it
In some ways it is a fresh start
It is my favorite season
I miss the colors
The regal essence of it
The trees dress up in splendor
With reds
Yellows
Oranges and golds

There is a smell of leaves on the ground
The sound of leaves crunching as you walk on them
The sound of raking
Big piles of leaves in yards

The crisp clear air
The cool night
Leaves rustling in the breeze

Smells of pumpkin cookies and pies

Cinnamon, apple cider and
hot chocolate
Halloween decorations and candy corn

Oh how I miss the beauty of the trees and countryside as the colors dabble the landscape like a painting

There’s still darkness outside
With hint of light appearing
It’s still early
Traffic starts moving
Towards their destinations
Ever so slowly
The morning is just beginning
Empty roads in places
Full morning has not yet started
As 7am approaches,
A golden ball can be seen in the sky
The sun is rising
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived
As the city starts to get up once again
The beginning of a new day
Time to start

I woke out of a deep sleep
I was in that place in between reality and dreams

I then heard my fathers voice
It came out of nowhere
Clear as a bell he said “time to go”
He repeated it several times

It was striking as it sounded so clear and real
It felt like he was in the room

Yet he has been gone for several years now

Those words brought back memories of him and I
When we would go out as a family
Or he and I would go out shopping

Time to go

I remember going to look for that perfect Christmas tree with him

Time to go

Or meeting him for dinner and holiday shopping for my mother

Time to go

Or the times I would drive him to the airport to catch a flight

Time to go

Or pick him up after a trip

Time to go

Or when we would go to a ball game together

Time to go

Or my mother and I waiting in a restaurant in Jamaica while he arranged to get us home

Time to go

Ever since she was a child She was protected Something was always there To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible
When she went out
When she was with others While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain She healed
When there was peril and danger She was safe
It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end Like a shield
A force of protection

Languages of the World

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

She comes from far away
She traveled many miles
She was seeking something
She had lost many years before

She’s the Americania

She took a risk
To go where she found him
After so many years apart with total silence

She’s the Americania

She never forgot him
Nor what they had together
It was very special
He had reached into her heart

She’s the Americania

She’s found a new life
In a new land
Learning her way slowly
Bit by bit
It takes time

She’s the Americania

Every day she goes out
To explore and to write
Part of her day now
Becoming a writer and poet

She’s the Americania

She came just for him
Didn’t matter where
She was willing to try
Because she believed
In the impossible dream


She’s the Americania

It is Sunday morning
The woman gets dressed
Having finished her brief breakfast
She is going out

Dressed in her red coat and scarf
Ivory colored turtle neck sweater
Blue jean leggings
It’s winter at the end of January
Very cold outside
It gets into your bones
Makes them ache

She is heading out to the store
Afterwards she will stop for coffee at a favorite cafe
Before heading home

She is living her new life with her high school sweetheart
An unbelievable dream come true....

At This Time of Year

At this time of year
Winter is coming
A fresh new start is on the way

At this time of year

Holiday trappings are everywhere
Trees are waiting for a home
Children are anticipating Santa
Presents are wrapped

At this time of year

Choirs are singing
Churches are full
People are feeling good cheer
Smiles are bigger
Special meals being served

At this time of year

Let’s be more kind
Let’s be more positive
Let’s laugh more and criticize less
Let’s be grateful

At this time of year

Let’s remember what’s about
Let’s come together
Let’s love harder
Let’s assume the best
Let’s forgive more

Let’s remember we are all one

At this time of year

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
It’s beautiful
The black asphalt road is a contrast to the color of the leaves
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
It’s surreal
Even the rain doesn’t dim the leaves
It creates a look like a fairy tale
Or part of a movie set
Yet it’s real
Part of the artistry
Of Mother Nature
Pure magic

Red maple rain

She arrived some
time ago
From a long distance
She’s been making her way
Bit by bit
There are places she goes
Where she’s a regular
She feels comfortable and safe
Every morning she greets the
the locals
It’s her way to spread some joy
She’s always loved the phrase
Good morning
It helps to set the tone
She walks up the street
In her neighborhood
Along the way
She watches and looks
Sometimes the sky is gray
And the air is cool
Other times it’s bright blue
and warm
She’s made her place
In her own way
In a world different than her own
That’s called life
She belongs
In her own way

Hello Fall Are You Here?

Hello Fall
Are you here?
Today when I awoke it was cooler
Today the air felt crisp
Today the sky is clear
Today my hopes are high

Hello Fall
Are you back?
Will you stay?
I missed you
Where did you go?

Hello Fall
I miss your colors
I miss the smells
I miss the food
The hot chocolate
The apple cider
The pies

Hello Fall
Are you back?
It feels like you are
I hope you are
I missed you

The colors
The crisp air
The smells
The food

Hello Fall
Please stay

It’s another Monday
Sky is bright blue
Air is  cool
But heating up
Going to be hot
With no reprieve
Summer has arrived
Weekends just sail by
In a lightning flash
Then the start
Of another week
But each day
Is a blessing
I am here
It’s time to start
Getting things going
Sitting in a cafe
Feeling the vibe
Trying to write a little ditty
To start with
Monday

People are like puzzle pieces
Each one a different shape and size

It takes the perfect piece to fit
Into a space made for it
Others just won’t fit

People are like puzzle pieces
All different sizes and shapes
It takes the right one to fit
Others may try but the fit won’t work

People are like puzzle pieces
Going through life looking
For their one perfect piece
The one made just for them
It fits on all sides
As if cut from the same pattern

People are like puzzle pieces
Searching their whole lives
for that one perfect piece
Some are lucky and find it
Others never do

Silver bells
Sweet memories
Of times past
Run through my mind
Like a quiet stream
Hints of cinnamon in the air
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
Beautiful trees and wreaths
Decorated everywhere
Scents of pine trees
Burning wood
In fireplaces
Snow covered ground
Looking like a winter wonderland
Silver bells
Sweet memories
If I close my eyes
They come as dreams
Making me wish they never end

As the the facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit reside
Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest
Let me feast upon your heart for a while and feel pure bliss
You bring peace and hope into my life
You calm the stormy waters
You are faith
Believe

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some good will
Think better than not
Time to extend kindness
Instead of hate
Time to feel love

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some good will
Time to walk towards the light
Away from darkness

In a time of negativity
It’s time to lend a hand
It’s time to lift someone up
Not pull them down
It’s time for some good will

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some softness
Not harshness
It’s time for some good will
Time to show some love
Not hate

It’s time to reach out
To accept
Not hide
Not pull away
It’s time for some good will

Lying in the dark
16 year old girl
Many years ago
Holding a portable radio
To ones ear
Listening to music
Rocking to the beat
Imagining far away places
Feet moving to the beat
Eyes closed
Letting the clouds of sleep
Approach as I listen to the
radio
Rockin to the beat
In the darkness

The ocean waves are moving back
and forth on a bright sunny day.
The sky is a bright blue.
The air is warm but not too hot.
There is a slight breeze in the air.
There is a tint of salt in the air like a sweet perfume but the smell is not too heavy. The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out.
As the sun hits the water, diamonds show up and glisten against the light and the water.
It’s a perfect day

Snow gently falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
Eventually gently nesting on the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start a new season
Cold is easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces
Taking the place of the warm heat of the summer
Temperatures dropping outside bringing a frigid feel
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready ready to put
on its nightcap and pajamas for the sleep that is coming

The Coming of Winter

Ever since she was a child
She was protected
Something was always there
To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible

When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

When you see something wrong
Stand up
When you see hurt
Offer healing
When you see darkness
Walk towards light

When you see something wrong
Stand up
When you hear untruth
Speak truth
When you see cruelty
Offer kindness
Stand up

When you see wrongdoing
Do right
When you hear put downs
Challenge them
Compliment
When you see anger
Offer love
Stand up

You are standing on a beach
The sun is out, the sky is a clear blue
There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light breeze.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances like the stone -- glimmering like diamonds.
As you walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as that of the water.
And, as you walk out further into the water, your shape
and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.
You are home. You are the sea.

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look up towards the moon
Notice its white glimmer
Feast upon the beauty of it

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Think about the good things you have
Think about how precious life is

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start
Treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

In the quiet time I can feel it
It comes over me like a mist
In the stillness of the moment I sense it
It gently caresses me
In the calm I hear it like like a beautiful melody

I am lifted up
I can reach beyond myself
I can go to another world
I can lose myself
I am inspired

In the quiet time I feel it
I go to a special place
Where things are calm and still
Where peace lives
Where there is light
Where there is no darkness

In the stillness I can sense it
I can hear others hearts beating
In the calm I feel it in my soul
I am lifted up
To another place and world
To a place of light
To a place of inspiration
To a place of greatness
To a place unlike anything
In the stillness of the moment

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
Your gloves don’t really work
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
Or apple cider
With steam rising
The signs of the season have arrived
It’s winter